Fathom Adonia Cleared for Cuban Voyages

Cuba has been in the news a lot this week, with Barack Obama becoming the first sitting U.S. president to visit the country in 88 years. Another sign that barriers are being lowered is the announcement today by Carnival Cruise Lines that Adonia, from their new Fathom line, has been officially cleared to call on Cuban ports, with the first cruise to do so departing on May 1.

Adonia will be the first U.S.-based cruise ship to dock in Cuba in more than 50 years. The 704-passenger ship will depart from Miami on seven-day itineraries, docking in three ports in Cuba: Havana, Cienfuegos, and Santiago de Cuba. The cruises will allow visitors to interact directly with the Cuban people. On board there will be lectures on the country's history as well as dishes inspired by the local cuisine. Adonia will alternate between the Cuban itineraries and cruises to the Dominican Republic.

Kristen Boatright is the New York City-based senior video editor of ShermansCruise.com.